Stone 12th Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

I bought a few bombers last summer of 12th Anniversary and decided to sample one outside on a February afternoon being warmed by a chiminea. As I sat there sampling the beer and reading the back label, it was a winter day the brewer had in mind when it was brewed. Bitterness eases as my palate adjusts to the full bodied Oatmeal Stout. Dark black coffee appearance, this is a strong beer. Caught a nice little buzz from just one bomber and cellaring a few bottles made for an enjoyable winter afternoon.

Another anniversary offering from Stone which I expected to be good and it was. Obviously black, minimum brown head. It smelled like chocolate, tasted like dark bitter chocolate, fruit, and a strong alcohol component which was a little strong (and the reason I didn;t give a higher score for taste). It seems like most oatmeal stouts feel silky and this one does as well. Serving type: bottle Reviewed on: 07-14-2008 03:52:32

Bomber. Poured standard brown-black but with little head action. Chocolate and espresso nose. Dark bittersweet chocolate flavor with a nice roasty, almost charred coffee edge. Not exceptionally hoppy. Some traces of dark fruit underneath. Full and smooth bodied. Very comforting.

22 oz. bottle - Poured black as night with thin tan head. Aroma - oatmeal, sweet chocolate and brown sugar. Flavor - dark chocolate mixed with sweet oatmeal and coffee. Palate - medium mouthfeel with below average carbonation. Finish is mild with lingering coffee flavor. Overall - I liked this beer, sweet expresso taste and alcohol is well hidden. Stone Brewing kicks ass!!

My 2800th rating! Bottle (660ml) shared with HogTownHarry & garthicus -- courtesy of HogTownHarry. Pours black with an average to large size diminishing creamy light-brown head -- looks gorgeous! Aroma’s quite roasty along with coffee, some smoke, dark bitter chocolate, alcohol and just a hint of hops. Big chocolate flavour along with espresso, lots of hops, dark fruit, some alcohol and a very bitter finish. Average to medium bodied. Great stuff, I loved it!

22oz - Aroma is full of deep chocolate, vanilla, ashy dark malts with an oatmeal finish. Pours black with a small brown head. Flavor matches aroma. Palate is sticky and lasting. Alcohol is well hidden. This is a very tasty brew.

From a bottle poured black with a small head. Nice slightly sweet malty chocolate flavor with a quick finish.

Thanks HogTownHarry for sharing this with Blankboy and I, Blankboys - 2800 rating!!!! Congrats!! Appearance: Black as hell, small tan head. Aroma: Chocolate, Malt, orange peel, leather. Nutmeg. Winter fruit. Nice. Flavour: Chocolate, espresso, leather, prunes, cherries, slows, earthy. Alcohol is well disguised. Lovely.